The purpose of this Japanese healing art is to increase and free unbalanced energy flow in the body and mind. In a deeply relaxed state, the mind is free from cluttered thoughts, allowing the body to heal itself emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Light hand placements are used on or above the body to guide energy that is channeled through the practitioner to all aspects of the recipient.
Prescribed hand placements include over the head, shoulders, stomach, arms, legs, and feet, with a targeted focus on the 7 energetic centers of the body, known as chakras. A client may experience heat coming from the practitioner’s hands, subtle pulsations of energy where the practitioner’s hands are placed, or cascading waves of pulsations throughout the body.
Treatment for Reiki is provided on a massage table fully clothed. A client should plan to wear comfortable clothing that is not restrictive in any way. Before your session, it is helpful to take a few minutes to relax and reflect on any emotions, thoughts or physical sensations you may be experiencing. Be sure you have eaten and hydrated a few hours before the session to assure you are not distracted by hunger or thirst and that your body’s energy is not directed towards digesting while you are receiving your treatment.
After your session, allow yourself time to relax. Take a nap, walk in nature, or meditate. Taking time to reflect is very important. It helps you to connect to what you’ve experienced. Be sure to hydrate your body after any type of energy work, increasing fluids for the next few hours. Besides the immediate effect of Reiki on creating a feeling of deep relaxation, you may notice subtle to dramatic changes that continue to unfold as the day goes on and perhaps over the next few days. This experience can be different for everyone.
Reiki is cumulative, meaning a client will have a progressively deeper experience as they continue to receive Reiki sessions. It is recommended to have three consecutive sessions for the best long-term results.
